Or for that matter, members of “Hare Krishna” movement;
offering you free books on the street; or Muslims handing you pamphlets assuring
that Mohammed was the last real prophet and everyone has to convert to Islam or
be doomed?
Recently I have moved in a small town, Den Bosch in Holland
and I love the old architecture of the place. The cobblestoned streets are
charming, the old brick buildings and church add perfectly to the ambience and
the meandering canals make the picture complete. Strolling comes natural to me.
I love to walk without any desire to reach the destiny. Going for a walk gives
me kicks. It fills some fresh oxygen in my brain and I am able to take my mind
off the 1001 problems from office and home that keep me otherwise very preoccupied.
Except for Fridays and Saturdays, the streets in my
neighborhood get sparse and lonely in the late evenings. This poses a challenge
to my quest for walk. You are susceptible to being approached by some people
who would like to talk to you and the deserted surrounding can make you feel intimidated.
Street crime in Netherlands is thankfully much lower than
UK. Here in Den Bosch, people are very friendly and kind. Mugging, snatching or
knife crime is unheard of and that is very assuring indeed. Probably that is
the reason why I am able to garner courage to walk alone.
I do get in uncomfortable situations if I venture out
further from my home. Once in a while some drugs junkie would approach me and
tell that he did not had food for last 2 days and if I could spare some money for
him. I apologize that I was not carrying my wallet and walk ahead steadily.
Today, two well-built guys approached me as I was on my
stroll. They did not fit the bill of an addict. My instinct made me quickly
look around and check out the escape routes but I kept a straight face. One of them
approached me and started talking in Dutch.
“Sorry I do not speak Dutch.” I tried to make excuse and
move on.
“I speak little English” the guy in red t-shirt did not want
to let me go off his hook.
“Have you heard of Jesus?” he started.
“Yes” I replied. I completely understood in which direction
this conversation was headed.
“Do you believe in Jesus?” came the next question.
“Yes, I do believe in Jesus, AND all the other masters like
Mohamed, Buddha and Hinduism; religion of my birth.” I was at my religious
correctness best.
“That is no problem. You see one thing is a concept we make
from hearing what others say and it is entirely different to reach a conclusion
by direct experience.” The man went on with his convincing spree.
“Someone may tell you I am a good or bad person; but if you
really need to know me; you will have to take me out for a coffee. Sit at the
table and talk to me in person. Same holds true with our relationship with
Jesus.” The poor fellow was trying to captivate me with his limited verbal
abilities.
“Hang on. May I ask you a question?” I turned on to him.
“Do you believe there is only one God?”
“Yes, Indeed. I do believe there is only one true God.” The man
replied.
“And you believe there is only one true messenger of God and
that is Jesus Christ.” I was asking close ended questions to cut our loop in a
loop discussion short.
“Yes my friend, I believe there is only one true messenger,
Jesus.” The man replied.
“We have a difference of opinion here and I would like end
our discussions here. I believe in multiple true messengers and you in one.” I closed
the discussion and took their leave hurriedly.
“Have a good night.” The man waived at me.
I feel deep respect to this charitable, altruistic aspect of
humans. People take a break from daily chore of making the ends meet and try to
help others with what they truly believe is superior. These people on street
did not have any ulterior motive. They did not expect monetary benefit from me
in return or to receive any other favors. They try to talk and convince me
with something they strongly believe is good for all.
They might be right or wrong and that is not so important for me. I salute
their desire to take up a charitable cause.
